CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Elder Herb, Spencer |
|---|---|
| Title | Weimar Amerika: The Rise of Populism and The Birth of Strongman Leaders |
| Summary | The following thesis examines the parallels between the contemporary United States and the historical Weimar Republic. It compares Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler as manifestations of the zeitgeist of their respective eras and societal grievances and sentiments. The paper is based on the socio-political developments in the post-9/11 United States (as well as their roots in earlier decades), specifically encompassing the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden Eras. These developments are viewed vis-a-vis the events leading to Hitler’s rise to power. This paper would close a literature gap in the academic canon by providing an unbiased comparison of the two leaders during periods of social upheaval. A thorough comparative analysis of societal sentiments and conditions, this thesis aims to highlight the similarities and differences between the rise of the two leaders to power. Furthermore, I will supplement my analysis by comparing phenomena present in Hitler’s time and present in the modern day with Trump, such as cultures of defeat, culture wars, and anti-establishment sentiment. The paper will show how leaders like these men are inevitable if the circumstances around them are ideal for the rise of such a leader. This thesis seeks to give the reader a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding Trump and Hitler, which led to their coming to power - as products of their time and circumstances. |
| Supervisor | Tolga U. Esmer |
| Department | Undergraduate Studies BA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/elder-herb_spencer.pdf |
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